Robredo vows action vs criminals on motorbike

Interior Secretary Jesse M. Robredo INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

Interior Secretary Jesse M. Robredo has assured the public of better police response to crimes by motorcycle-riding gunmen, which appear to be on the rise.

Robredo said the Philippine National Police (PNP) has already adopted some measures to stop the proliferation of crimes committed by motorcycle-riding offenders, or what the police refer to as “riding-in-tandem” criminals.

Robredo, who chairs the National Police Commission, earlier ordered the PNP to conduct operations against the new criminal phenomenon amid reports of the increasing number of people falling prey to motorcycle-riding crooks, especially in Metro Manila.

He also asked PNP chief, Director General Nicanor A. Bartolome, to submit an assessment report on such operations.

Bartolome has admitted that there has been an increase in crimes involving motorcycle-riding criminals this year.

Increase in suspects

According to the records, there were 1,700 crimes by motorcycle-riding suspects from January to September, compared to 1,565 for the same period last year.

But Bartolome noted that efforts were being undertaken to solve the problem, such as the implementation of the Police Integrated Patrol System, and the deployment of motorcycle-mounted police officers known as Motorized Anti-Street Crime Operatives (Masco).

The deployment of the Masco, whose members are required to undergo a basic tactical rider’s course, is aimed at preventing robberies, “carnappings/carjackings,” kidnapping and similar other crimes.

The police chief said police visibility has been maximized with the deployment of administrative personnel from the PNP headquarters to field assignments, particularly in the metropolitan area.

He said PNP field commanders have also been directed to optimize police personnel deployment in the streets, malls, banks, transport terminals, airports/seaports, and other places where people converge.

They have been directed to implement “Kontra Boga” and “Operation Bakal,” which are operations against loose firearms, and  “Oplan Sita” and “No Plate, No Travel” programs in the case of motorists.

Originally posted at 02:15 am | Thursday, November 17, 2011